Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MATABELELAND Rugby Select head coach Victor Chiwara is rallying his troops for a stronger performance in the final round of the 2025 Nedbank Rugby Challenge, set for Saturday at Harare Sports Club.
Following a disappointing 31-8 defeat to Old Hararians in the opening round, Chiwara believes his squad has learned valuable lessons and is ready to finish the tournament on a high.
Matabeleland Select will face Old Georgians in their second-round match before taking on either Manicaland Province or the Nedbank Grassroots to Greatness team in placement matches. Chiwara remains confident that improved execution will yield better results.
“We didn’t play to our full potential in the first round. We made costly errors and got punished. Old Hararians are a strong team, but I believe we could have made it more of a contest. I think nerves played a role, some of our guys aren’t used to competing in this type of environment,” said Chiwara.
The coach emphasised that this week’s preparations have revolved around sticking to their structures and executing their game plan more effectively.
“Our preparations have been about discipline and execution. We have a plan, and we just need to stick to it. We had a couple of players out injured last week, but we expect them back. Everything is on track, and we are looking forward to an improved showing, aiming to win both our games and finish in a respectable position,” he added.
The tournament’s final round promises thrilling encounters, with the Junior Sables set to take on Old Hararians, while Pitbulls lock horns with Harare Sports Club in a bid for a place in the final.
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, an electrifying showdown is on the cards as Western Suburbs Panthers face Plumtree High School Amabhubesi in the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 league final at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
Panthers are chasing an unbeaten season, having won all eight of their matches so far. However, Plumtree will be eager for revenge after narrowly losing 15-12 in their round-robin clash earlier in the tournament.
Panthers booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought 13-10 victory over defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs), ensuring that a new champion will be crowned on Saturday. Plumtree, on the other hand, stormed into the final with a dominant 49-3 win over Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets.
OMs and Hornets will battle for third place, while Matabeleland Warriors, fresh from a resounding 62-0 win over Matabeleland Lions, will take on Highlanders, who edged Bulldogs 15-5, in the fourth-place play-off. Bulldogs and Lions will square off for seventh position.
In the women’s competition, Plumtree High School will take on Bulldogs in the championship decider, with both teams eager to claim top honours.
With high stakes and pride on the line, rugby fans can expect a weekend of intense clashes as teams fight for glory in the Nedbank Rugby Challenge and the Bulawayo Under-20 league final.
